CPEC to transform region into trade, business hub: President

ISLAMABAD, May 24 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain Tuesday said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a historic step forward under which the development of road, rail, sea and air infrastructure projects would transform the whole region into a hub of regional and global trade.

The President was addressing an inaugural ceremony of Beijing Forum at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST).

President Mamnoon said the CPEC would not only lead to robust regional connectivity but also be a foundation of the historical “One Belt – One Road” vision of China, ushering in an era of global peace, prosperity and stability.

The Pak-China relations were a model for the whole world and both the countries had always adopted a common stance at all forums for resolution of international issues, regional peace and stability, he added.

Both countries had wholeheartedly extended cooperation to the international community for achievement of these objectives.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz,
Minister for Defence Production and Science & Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain, Chairman Peking University Council Prof. Zhu Shan Lu, Ambassador of People’s Republic of China to Pakistan Sun Weidong and Rector NUST Lt. Gen. (R) Muhammad Asghar were also present on the occasion, said a press release.

The President expressed satisfaction that Islamabad had been chosen for holding the Beijing Forum’s first ever session outside China.

He observed that it was a matter of satisfaction that National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) and Peking University had taken the initiative for organizing this event for which both of the eminent institutions and their organizers deserved praise.

President Mamnoon said that educational institutions not only lay the foundation for national progress and prosperity, but also become a source of transmitting rich traditions and bonds of friendship between nations to coming generations.
He noted that the joint effort by the two leading institutions
of Pakistan and China was a step towards achieving this goal, adding that such efforts would bear fruit, benefitting China, Pakistan and the entire humanity.

The President said the youth of both friendly countries would
play a leading role in this endeavor as highlighted by the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

President Mamnoon said in order to achieve the greater goal of the betterment of humanity, the youth needed to hone their creative abilities and excel in modern fields of knowledge so that both countries were ready to lead the contemporary world by being in sync with requirements of the future.

He also warmly welcomed the distinguished guests from People’s Republic of China and other friendly countries on the occasion of holding of Beijing Forum in Islamabad and hoped that their stay would be pleasant and comfortable.